Research Projects-2025

This project, completed by Ben Bacon, focused on understanding how our program assesses interval data in order to improve our current process, and deepen our knowledge on demand data. This was achieved by updating current interval data analysis spreadsheets for 15, 30, and 60 minute interval options, and also providing a video tutorial for ITAC students to follow. In addition, a flyer was designed to explain the importance of interval data for our assessment process, and how clients can access data from their utility providers.

This project, completed by Aanchal Gupta, focused on developing Michigan specific Energy Use Intensity (EUI) benchmarks by industry to support building performance assessments and comparisons. Through this project, visual comparisons were created to show actual EUI and expected EUI for industrial facilities using national benchmarks. In addition, the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager was identified as a feasible and scalable platform for benchmarking wastewater treatment. plants.​

This project, completed by Jenna Vernier focused on informing companies of ways to reduce their water and wastewater charges, as well as inform ITAC students on how to help companies reach these goals. To achieve this, resources were created to help students quantify and develop recommendations related to water bill reduction. In addition, a flyer was designed to communicate basic water saving methods for college students that will be posted around campus.

This project, completed by Nicole Johnson and Sean Fleming, focused on developing a set of resources to connect Assessment Recommendations (ARs) with utility rebate opportunities. This helps clients reduce their upfront costs for energy efficient projects. The objective of this project included creating a comprehensive guide which assists clients in applying for rebates from utilities like Consumers Energy, DTE, and Lansing Board of Water and Light. In addition to this, resources for ITAC students were created to help identify rebates that can be included in cost estimations for project recommendations.

The scope of this project, completed by Marin Leboucher and Kendall Kuderik, focused on obtaining timely and accurate cost estimates for large equipment in assessment recommendations. To achieve this, a centralized document was created for students to reference. This lists essential company contact details, previous quote data, and instructions for getting updated estimates. This guide simplifies and quickens the quote gathering process for future recommendations.

This project, completed by Zach Franz, was focused on developing a standardized approach to improve the estimation of implementation costs in project recommendations, with a focus on accounting for inflation and future changes in energy prices. This is important as it aims to provide more consistent and credible financial projections, minimizing discrepancies between projected and actual costs for clients. The outcome of this project includes a new formula for estimating payback periods and defining a cost ceiling for complex projects.

The scope of this project, completed by Emmas Claspell, focused on strengthening waste management and recycling related Assessment Recommendations (ARs) by creating detailed resources for both ITAC members and clients. This project is important as it helps our program recommend realistic and impactful waste reduction/recycling opportunities. Comprehensive documents were created that contain recycling companies throughout Michigan. This includes details about the waste they accept and contact information to help connect more facilities with recycling programs.

This project, completed by Kristen Vance, focused on improving our program’s approach to water and wastewater (W/WW) management in industrial facilities by developing student training resources to deepen the understanding of industry specific challenges. Research was conducted to explore common regulations, typical energy consuming systems and practices within W/WW facilities, and reviewing energy saving applications from the DOE’s Better Plants program. In addition, training materials for ITAC students, including a tour of MSU’s water treatment facility, were created to provide an in depth understanding of W/WW facilities, to improve Assessment Recommendations (ARs).

This project, completed by Aleah Schmottlach and Isaiah Francis, focused on streamlining the development of common Assessment Recommendations (ARs) by automating calculations. The goal of this project aimed to improve efficiency, increase the consistency and accuracy of calculations, and make it easier to train new ITAC team members. An AR directory with a centralized summary tab and individual calculation sheets was created that can be easily copied and customized, making the process faster and more consistent.

This project, completed Roshini Ram, focused on developing and refining Assessment Recommendations (ARs) for heat pump systems by evaluating their energy efficiency potential and environmental benefits. To achieve this, new AR resources were created to quantify the energy and cost savings of installing heat pump water heaters. Additional materials, such as a powerpoint presentation, were developed to train students on heat pump technologies as well. This project is important as it highlights the environmental and economic advantages of heat pump technologies.

This project, completed by Kelly Dunn, focused on assessing the feasibility of solar thermal technologies for water heating, to develop project recommendations tailored to Michigan’s climate. Research was done to assess the advantages and limitations of passive and active solar water heating systems, and their applicability to residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Training and resource materials were developed for students to support identifying opportunities for project implementation in buildings and quantifying savings. This includes potential rebates and maintenance costs to help create accurate estimates for clients.

This project, completed by Abby Elliott, focused on improving energy efficiency in cooler systems for food storage by identifying common challenges and developing related energy saving recommendations. This is important as storage coolers have high energy consumption. Research was conducted to identify opportunities to save energy within these cooler systems such as inefficient temperature setpoints, defrost cycles, and insulation deficiencies. Resources for students were developed to write strong, accurate recommendations to help facilities reduce energy costs and improve their environmental impact.

This project, completed by Rowan Thomas, focused on improving the accuracy of energy saving calculations for recommendations through investigating load factor assumptions for variable frequency drives (VFD), annual hours of operations (AOH), and demand savings calculations. This was accomplished by contacting other ITAC centers to learn about their processes, and analyzing the different methods. Reference guides were created to help ITAC students select appropriate load factors and AOH based on specific scenarios. In addition to this, existing resources were updated to account for new findings to ensure more consistent and accurate energy savings estimates.